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Auto alternatives for the 21st centuryFri, 09 Dec 2016 17:34:46 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.4Nissan Leaf Buyers Are Loyalhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-buyers-are-loyal/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-buyers-are-loyal/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 05:17:45 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=250130The electric-powered Nissan Leaf is the only plug-in vehicle to be included in the IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards. The IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards are presented annually to automakers and brands that demonstrate a manufacturer’s ability to retain owners over repeat buying cycles. The IHS states they are the only fact-based awards of their kind in […]

]]>The electric-powered Nissan Leaf is the only plug-in vehicle to be included in the IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards.

The IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards are presented annually to automakers and brands that demonstrate a manufacturer’s ability to retain owners over repeat buying cycles. The IHS states they are the only fact-based awards of their kind in the industry.

Nissan broke the plug-in vehicle sales record with 30,200 Leaf sold in the U.S. in 2014, marking the first time any plug-in has sold more than 30,000 units in a single year.

“Since entering the market in 2010, the Nissan Leaf has steadily gained supporters throughout the U.S.,” said Toby Perry, director of marketing for Nissan Leaf. “While the majority of original buyers were electric vehicle enthusiasts, we’re now seeing more and more ‘regular’ car buyers fall in love with the Leaf because of its many financial benefits, fun-to-drive nature and roomy interior. Our Leaf fans are some of the most loyal customers in the world, and we’re thrilled to see that validated with this IHS award.”

The Nissan Leaf has an EPA-estimated driving range of 84 miles and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.

IHS Automotive said it analyzes loyalty throughout the year and regularly works with its customers to effectively manage owner loyalty and conquest efforts through in-depth research and analysis of automotive shopping behaviors, related market influencers and conquest and retention strategies. Loyalty is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same make, model or manufacturer.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-buyers-are-loyal/feed/0Nissan Leaf Main Family Car For Many In UKhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-main-family-car-for-many-in-uk/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-main-family-car-for-many-in-uk/#commentsThu, 11 Dec 2014 05:21:19 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=227457Ever wonder how are Leafs used by their owners? An estimated 93 percent use it as their main family car, 64 percent say it’s better to drive than a gasoline or diesel vehicle and one man even sold his Aston Martin to buy a pair of them in order to avoid domestic fights. These are […]

An estimated 93 percent use it as their main family car, 64 percent say it’s better to drive than a gasoline or diesel vehicle and one man even sold his Aston Martin to buy a pair of them in order to avoid domestic fights.

These are some of the insights Nissan Europe got from fro ma survey representing the 6,500 plus Nissan Leaf owners now in the UK.

Nissan said the brand new research points out the significant financial savings made by owners, but it also highlights how living with the Nissan Leaf in the real world has turned it from a second car into the main family car for many owners.

Considering the electric powertrain of the Leaf, it is not surprising to learn from Nissan that 89 percent of those surveyed reported significant savings against more traditionally-fuelled cars. Nissan added one driver calculated that he had spent just £400 traveling over 22,000 miles in his Nissan Leaf, with many reporting savings of £200-250 per month.

With the savings made, Leaf owners have been treating themselves to little luxuries including a 3D printer, a vintage synthesizer, holidays and many installing solar panels on their homes for virtually free motoring, added Nissan.

“Electric car ownership was a big step for motorists to take when we launched the Leaf in 2011 but we are now seeing that owners who were bold enough to take that step are reaping the benefits, said Nissan Motor GB Limited Managing Director, James Wright. “The issues that the naysayers said would hinder ownership have not materialized and, in fact, the feeling from Leaf owners is that they would never go back to a traditional combustion engine. We were the first to bring a mass-produced electric car to market, so it stands to reason that we are also the first to prove the genuine viability of electric motoring.”

Still per Nissan, the research showed more than one in two owners admitted they would not go back to a conventionally-powered car, with 41percent saying the car has positively changed the way they drive and a unanimous 95 percent stating they were happy to recommend it to a friend.

Nine in 10 now use it as their main family car, added Nissan, citing everything from practicality to simple enjoyment of driving. One owner ended up ditching his Aston Martin to buy a second Leaf to avoid arguments with his wife about who would take the Nissan to work every day.

Still according to Nissan, more than a third said that they do not have to plan journeys in advance any more than they did before owning an electric car, especially as 89 percent of them charge up their Leaf overnight at home.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-main-family-car-for-many-in-uk/feed/0Leaf Owners Log Over One Billion Kilometers In CarWingshttp://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-owners-log-over-one-billion-kilometers-in-carwings/
http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-owners-log-over-one-billion-kilometers-in-carwings/#commentsThu, 04 Dec 2014 05:05:58 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=224130Nissan Leaf owners worldwide have, according to Nissan, logged-in over one billion kilometers on the company’s CarWings telematics system. This one billion kilometers is the equivalent of 621,371,192 miles. Nissan has also revealed this is the equivalent of saving over 180 million kilograms (397 million pounds) of CO2 emissions. The proportion of Nissan Leaf vehicles […]

This achievement comes almost four years since the Leaf was launched in 2010 and the EV is now the best-selling electric vehicle in history, with over 147,000 Leaf vehicles sold globally to date.

Through the CarWings telemetry used in the Leaf, Nissan said it has been able to keep an accurate log of the total distance covered by every Leaf registered with CarWings since the car’s launch. Nissan has been recording the distance on an online counter and involving owners in the count with a series of celebratory videos.

“Our aim was to see Nissan Leaf owners registered with our innovative CarWings system amass one billion kilometres by January 2015, and we are absolutely delighted to announce that we have achieved this landmark milestone earlier than anticipated,” said Paul Willcox, Chairman for Nissan in Europe. “We would like to thank every single Nissan LEAF owner for helping us in reaching this world-first. The Nissan LeafF was the first mass-market family electric vehicle ever built and the owner satisfaction scores are the best in the Nissan range. This huge distance landmark shows that many of our customers are rapidly clocking up kilometres as they enjoy the benefits of quiet, emission free driving.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-owners-log-over-one-billion-kilometers-in-carwings/feed/0Leaf To Set Another Record Sales Yearshttp://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-to-set-another-record-sales-years/
http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-to-set-another-record-sales-years/#commentsMon, 03 Nov 2014 04:14:27 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=211833A yearly record number of Nissan Leaf EV sales has already been surpassed by Nissan this year. With more than two months remaining, Nissan said it has, with the Leaf, shattered the record for the most U.S. electric vehicle sales in a single calendar year, surpassing the previous record of 22,610 that it set in […]

]]>A yearly record number of Nissan Leaf EV sales has already been surpassed by Nissan this year.

With more than two months remaining, Nissan said it has, with the Leaf, shattered the record for the most U.S. electric vehicle sales in a single calendar year, surpassing the previous record of 22,610 that it set in 2013.

“With nearly 20 electric cars or plug-in electric models on the road today, the Nissan Leaf remains at the head of the class, outselling the nearest competitor by 50 percent through September,” said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan electric vehicle Sales and Infrastructure. “Since the initial launch in 2010 our primary goal is to bring electric vehicles to the mass market in a practical and fun-to-drive package, and we continue to deliver electric cars to more new buyers than anyone else.”

Leaf sales in 2014 through September are up more than 36 percent compared to the same period last year, added Nissan. With more than 142,000 Leaf sales globally since launch and more than 64,000 of those in the U.S., Nissan said it is the global leader in electric vehicles.

Nissan will announce October U.S. sales on Monday, November 3, allowing us to know exactly where this EV stands sales-wise with two months left to go in 2014.

“Nissan Leaf owners are eager to share their enthusiasm with neighbors, friends and family, and that passion makes them some of our best salespeople,” said Jones. “We’ve seen a ‘cul-de-sac’ effect where the first LEAF owner in the neighborhood becomes the community champion for electric cars, educating neighbors on the benefits of going electric, even sometimes handing the keys over for a test drive.”

The Leaf has an EPA-estimated driving range of 84 miles on a fully-charged battery and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.

In the U.S., the starting price of a 2015 Nissan Leaf is $29,010 (MSRP) and goes as low as $21,510 net after deducting the maximum federal tax credit of $7,500.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-to-set-another-record-sales-years/feed/0Nissan Leaf One Of Eight Good Housekeeping Pickhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-one-of-eight-good-housekeeping-pick/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-one-of-eight-good-housekeeping-pick/#commentsMon, 20 Oct 2014 04:04:01 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=206666The 2014 Nissan Leaf SL is named top “Roomy Electric” vehicle pick in the Good Housekeeping November buyer’s guide. The award was selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI). The Leaf is one of eight cars selected in the GHI’s annual car review. The institute said theLeaf was specifically noted for its “impressive” cruising range, […]

]]>The 2014 Nissan Leaf SL is named top “Roomy Electric” vehicle pick in the Good Housekeeping November buyer’s guide.

The award was selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI).

The Leaf is one of eight cars selected in the GHI’s annual car review. The institute said theLeaf was specifically noted for its “impressive” cruising range, value enhanced by available federal and state tax incentives and segment-exclusive Around View Monitor, great for parking or backing out.

Good Housekeeping added its top cars were picked based upon track performance, performance while driving on suburban roads and highways, as well as evaluations on the ergonomics and convenience features of the vehicles.

“As more than 64,000 American Leaf owners will tell you, the economics of going electric are simple: buy a Nissan LEAF and save money by conveniently charging at home instead of paying more at the gas pump,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S. “But the real beauty of the Nissan Leaf is that it’s roomy and, best of all, fun to drive, which is why it received this honor from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.”

The Leaf seats up to five passengers and has an EPA-estimated driving range of 84 miles on a fully-charged battery and an MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by a lithium-ion battery and an 80 kilowatt motor that provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience.

The all-electric vehicle is offered in three trim levels, and shoppers can choose from a variety of available features such as leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker BOSE energy efficient audio system and an available 6.6 kilowatt onboard charger that reduces charging times on a 240V charging dock.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-one-of-eight-good-housekeeping-pick/feed/0UK Leaf Sales Breaking Recordshttp://www.hybridcars.com/uk-leaf-sales-breaking-records/
http://www.hybridcars.com/uk-leaf-sales-breaking-records/#commentsTue, 07 Oct 2014 12:25:42 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=202537The Nissan Leaf has proved itself once again to be the most popular pure electric vehicle in the UK, with sales breaking national and European records in September. Figures released Monday by UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the Nissan Leaf sold 851 units during September, up 156 percent on the same […]

]]>The Nissan Leaf has proved itself once again to be the most popular pure electric vehicle in the UK, with sales breaking national and European records in September.

Figures released Monday by UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the Nissan Leaf sold 851 units during September, up 156 percent on the same month last year (332 units), and topping March 2014 (the previous record month) when 630 units were sold.

This strong performance was not only a record for the UK, but represents the largest volume of Nissan Leafs ever sold in one month in a European market, stated Nissan.

Sales of the British-built Nissan Leaf have already bettered the total number of units sold in 2013 (1,812 in total), with 2,969 units sold so far this year.

The data also revealed that the Nissan Leaf sold more than double the volume of all other pure electric models combined in September, for a 70 percent share of the pure electric vehicle market in the month. In fact, the data also confirms that the Nissan Leaf is the best-selling pure electric car so far this year, achieving a 66 percent share of the market.

“Sales of the all-electric Nissan Leaf continue to go from strength to strength and it’s no surprise that the vehicle that pioneered the EV sector in the UK continues to blaze the trail for the rest of its class,” said Paul O’Neill, EV Manager, Nissan Motor GB Limited. “September’s result gives us a clear indication that motorists are beginning to recognize that switching to a Nissan LEAF is not a compromise but an opportunity.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/uk-leaf-sales-breaking-records/feed/0Nissan Reaching Sales Recordshttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-reaching-sales-records/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-reaching-sales-records/#commentsFri, 02 May 2014 04:12:36 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=145881Nissan is having a good first quarter of the year with its small, fuel efficient and electric vehicles, and scored an all-time April record. Nissan said sales of the Nissan Leaf set an April record, increasing 7.8 percent to 2,088. Nissan has seen sales of Leaf increase 33 percent so far in 2014 with a […]

]]>Nissan is having a good first quarter of the year with its small, fuel efficient and electric vehicles, and scored an all-time April record.

Nissan said sales of the Nissan Leaf set an April record, increasing 7.8 percent to 2,088. Nissan has seen sales of Leaf increase 33 percent so far in 2014 with a year to date sales total of 7,272 units.

The Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for April 2014 of 103,934 units, an increase of 18.3 percent over the prior year and an April record.

The company added the Nissan Division also set an April record at 94,764 sales in the month, an increase of 18.5 percent. This marks a monthly record for the Nissan division in 13 of the last 14 months.

Sales of Rogue crossovers also established an April record at 15,066, said Nissan, an increase of 26.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the Versa also set an April sales record at 10,481, up 46.5 percent and Sentra sales increased 31.2 percent to 14,080 vehicles.

The small Juke CUV also set an April record at 3,795 units, up 55.2 percent.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-reaching-sales-records/feed/0Nissan Leaf Races Silently Through Townhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-races-silently-through-town/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-races-silently-through-town/#commentsThu, 01 May 2014 04:05:47 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=145193It is unusual to see cars maneuver through towns silently, but it is what Nissan did with its Leaf. To mark the 19th annual International Noise Awareness Day (INAD), Nissan said it invaded the streets of one of Europe’s quietest villages during the middle of the night with a silent “ride” with its 100 percent […]

]]>It is unusual to see cars maneuver through towns silently, but it is what Nissan did with its Leaf.

To mark the 19th annual International Noise Awareness Day (INAD), Nissan said it invaded the streets of one of Europe’s quietest villages during the middle of the night with a silent “ride” with its 100 percent electric Nissan Leaf.

The activity, complete with a start and finish line in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, was designed to demonstrate the noise reduction levels of the zero emissions car compared to traditional combustion engines.

Nissan explained the World Health Organization (WHO) states at least 13.5 percent of Europeans are exposed to road traffic noise at levels exceeding 55 dB, which is considered detrimental to human health.

Ed note: This WHO assessment may be so, but the same 55 decibel figure was cited as quiet enough to be considered stealthy for a special electric hybrid motorcycle used in sneak attacks by U.S. forces.

The medical effects of noise levels include insomnia (50dB), obesity (50dB), psychic disorders (60dB) and reduction in life expectancy (50dB). As a result, Nissan has filmed a ‘silent ride’ to help support INAD in raising awareness about noise pollution levels across Europe.

The video stunt, filmed by Nissan in one of Europe’s quietest villages in the early hours of the morning, shows four Nissan Leaf vehicles racing around the backstreets at high speeds without waking anyone up. Nissan added members of the village were filmed while they slept to monitor their reactions.

Per the company, the running noise of the Nissan LEAF engine is 21dB, recording less noise than a ceiling fan (26dB) – which is way below the World Health Organization’s night time noise target for Europe (40dB).

Launched by the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), INAD aims to raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to noise on hearing and health – including emotional and physical health problems such as impaired mental performance, high blood pressure and increased risk of motor vehicle injuries.

“International Noise Awareness Day was initiated by the Center for Hearing and Communication in 1995 in order to increase public awareness about the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health, and general well-being,” said Laurie Hanin, Executive Director for the Center for Hearing and Communications. “As a result, many thousands have had their hearing screened and many more have been educated in the numerous ways to prevent exposure to hazardous levels of noise. It is exciting to see Nissan showing off the benefits of their all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf, in this video highlighting that as well as being friendly to the environment, it is also friendly to the community by reducing noise pollution. Congratulations and good luck in this endeavor.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-leaf-races-silently-through-town/feed/0Leaf Web site To Answer Real Questionshttp://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-web-site-to-answer-real-questions/
http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-web-site-to-answer-real-questions/#commentsTue, 25 Mar 2014 04:01:29 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=135297With global sales of more than 100,000 units and U.S. sales approaching 50,000, Nissan felt the need to highlight its Leaf EV owners and inspire the next 100,000 Leaf buyers. To do so, Nissan said it has launched a new digital program called “Real Owners. Real Questions.” Through this website, current Leaf owners share their […]

]]>With global sales of more than 100,000 units and U.S. sales approaching 50,000, Nissan felt the need to highlight its Leaf EV owners and inspire the next 100,000 Leaf buyers.

To do so, Nissan said it has launched a new digital program called “Real Owners. Real Questions.” Through this website, current Leaf owners share their stories and reasons with anyone who’d like to know what it’s really like to go 100 percent electric with the Nissan Leaf.

The new Web site features over 500 quotes, 200 images and original video footage. Nissan added the site uses dynamic content tiles and suggestive search functionality to provide the most relevant answers. For example, visitors can browse a library of questions from the curious, “What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?” to the practical, “How much money have you saved?” or completely novel, by tapping into the Facebook community of Leaf owners directly to answer their questions.

Nissan said in addition to crowdsourcing video responses from owners, several videos of unique stories are showcased on the site, like Leaf owner Neal Wagner, who is shown using a journey to catch a sunrise on Maui’s Haleakala Volcano to charge his Leaf.

The campaign was created in partnership with Critical Mass, Nissan North America’s digital agency of record, which also created the online campaign to launch the Nissan Leaf in 2010.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-web-site-to-answer-real-questions/feed/02014 Nissan Leaf Overviewhttp://www.hybridcars.com/2014-nissan-leaf-overview/
http://www.hybridcars.com/2014-nissan-leaf-overview/#commentsFri, 21 Feb 2014 20:44:56 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=126169While there is not as much to report about the carried-forth 2014 Nissan Leaf as there was in 2013, the big news is the electric car holds a number of distinctions and is carving out a niche in the American automotive landscape. Introduced in December 2010, it was refreshed last year with 11 more miles […]

]]>While there is not as much to report about the carried-forth 2014 Nissan Leaf as there was in 2013, the big news is the electric car holds a number of distinctions and is carving out a niche in the American automotive landscape.

Click to enlarge.

Introduced in December 2010, it was refreshed last year with 11 more miles electric range, improved “MPGe” efficiency, and saw a new “S” trim level priced $6,000 less than 2012’s lowest trim level price. Nissan also began localized production in Tennessee, and every month last year it smashed sales records from 2012.

To balance this account, 2012 was a weak sales year for the Leaf – relatively flat compared to 2011 – so the Leaf had essentially no where to go but up. But up it has gone, and as of last month, Nissan had sold over 43,000 Leafs in the U.S. since launch and it crossed the 100,000 mark on a global basis.

Changes for 2014 include a price increase of $180, and the addition of the RearView Monitor as standard on all models (previously part of the Charge Package) and one new exterior color – Gun Metallic.

Suggested retail prices excluding $850 destination fee for the subsidy eligible car are $28,980 for the S; $32,000 for the SV; and $35,020 for the top of the line SL.

All-Electric Drive

The Leaf was conceived and designed as a dedicated all-electric car with its 24-kilowatt-hour battery under the floor.

Available only with front-wheel-drive, its 80-kw AC synchronous motor delivers 107 horsepower and 187 electrically limited pounds-feet of torque – 20 pounds-feet down from 207 pounds-feet in 2012 which helps explain how Nissan wrung more range out of the same powertrain.

Midsized Functional EV

It looks rather diminutive, but the Leaf is classified as a mid-sized five passenger car, and it is sufficiently roomy for most averaged sized people.

Its external dimensions place it between a Nissan Altima and Versa, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase, 175.0-inch length, 69.7-inch width and 61.0-inch height.

Whether you like its funky looks, or not, its shape was decided upon after listening to focus groups, and it does make a statement.

Inside

Lessons learned from countless previous automobiles Nissan has made have been applied to the Leaf’s interior. Here the car does not try to stand out overly much and serves as a functional and comfortable environment.

Lifestyle Adjustment

We might have titled this subsection “driving impressions,” but let’s face it, the Leaf with limited range is a trade-off between super efficiency with very quiet ride and the longer range of conventional cars.

The purpose of the Leaf is as a local commuter, and given most people’s drives are under 40 miles daily, it can work assuming you live where you can have a dedicated 240-volt charger to daily plug in.

Beyond that, the car is very normal. It is not scintillatingly quick to 60 mph, but to 40-50 mph where average traffic flow may gravitate, it is pretty peppy and will not leave you muttering that it’s too slow.

On the contrary, it can surprise some ordinary cars off the line with 100-percent of its available torque from zero mph, and quickly gets up to speed.

As for range, the advertised range is realistic, but if you do all highway driving expect less. And if you stay at lower speeds around town you can get more.

Last year on a 62-mile round trip mostly in Eco mode, we traveled a good 80 percent at highway speeds, and returned with 20 miles indicated range remaining. We kept speeds legal, and ran A/C intermittently.

Braking and cornering are also “normal” given the weight rides low, allowing the Leaf to conceal its 3,256-3,340-pound curb weight and return decent handling among commuter class cars.

Competitors

The Leaf is the only EV sold by an automaker bold enough to make it available in all 50 states.

Where available, the reduced-price Ford Focus EV and Honda Fit EV – both converted from gas versions – could be considered alternatives.

Other EVs in the general price range, and as available might also offer a compelling value, but really, the Leaf is the heavy hitter.

Those living in very hot climates may be advised Nissan updated its warranty after early adopters in hot regions of Texas, Arizona and California reported premature range loss.

The Leaf does not have liquid cooling for its battery pack, and Nissan says it does not need it, but this is has been questioned by some.

For a far-more comprehensive review of essentially the same car, please also see our 2013 Leaf Review with video.

Reprinted from 2013’s review is a sidebar elaborating on the cost-benefit equation.

The Leaf in a Nutshell

The Leaf is essentially a normal hatchback that comfortably seats four, can make it with five, has decent storage capacity – but has maybe a 3.5 to 4.0 gallon “gas tank” (battery). Replenishing this energy supply takes up to four hours at 240-volts with the 6.6-kw on-board charger. (This is compared to an imaginary internal combustion car’s 25 mpg multiplied by 3.5 = 87.5 miles easily attainable range. On a slower route, the Leaf might be good for 90-100 miles or more).

A decreased “fuel” supply that takes longer to refill may not sound too flattering for a $29,600- $37,000 car (before substantial potential subsidies), but while we’re imagining, imagine the Leaf’s “fuel” costs maybe one-fifth what you’d pay for gas – an energy source that’s getting comparatively more expensive as years go by.

Figuring Actual Cost To Power A Leaf

A reliable formula to calculate your actual cost of “fuel” (electricity) is to divide miles driven by MPGe (129 city, 102 hwy, 115 combined) and multiply by 33.7 (33.7 kwh=energy of one gallon of gas). Then use your actual electricity cost to calculate your actual operational cost.

The EPA figures electricity at 12 cents per kw and calculates based on 15,000 mile per year.

For simplicity’s sake, and to compare to an imaginary 25-mpg gas car, let’s figure 10 cents per kilowatt and cost to travel on one gallon of gasoline, or 25 miles.

Specifically, you can divide 25 miles driven by the combined 115 MPGe and multiply by 33.7. This equals your actual kwh consumed.

In this case, kwh consumed = 7.33.

Take 7.33 times your actual price per kw (10 cents in this example). This equals about 73 cents to drive 25 miles. A 25 mpg gas-powered car would use one gallon of gas at say $3.75 per gallon.

The Leaf’s hypothetical 73 cents per gallon cost is one-fifth the $3.75 per gallon of a comparable hatchback.

Summation

Can you live with a small fuel tank if you get an inflation-protected 73 cents per gallon “fuel” price? (At 12 cents per kilowatt, it’s 87 cents). What’s more, there are places where public chargers let you fill for free (like your Nissan dealer’s quick charger!) This would further reduce your “fuel” costs. Of course, some public chargers do require a fee, and at higher electric rates, and in these cases, you will pay more.

To make it work from a dollars-and-sense viewpoint, the Leaf must be driven enough miles to offset the electric car’s price premium over a comparable gas car.

This does not account for how you will also benefit the environment, and contribute to a solution that needs consumer acceptance to reach critical mass.

Throw in being able to recharge mostly during off hours at home and the fact that the car is just plain fun to drive and you could have a winner.